It’s never fun when your dog has diarrhea. Not only is it uncomfortable for them, but it can be a mess to clean up. But why does this happen, and what can you do to help them? Here are three reasons why dogs might get diarrhea, along with some tips on how to make them feel better.

#1: Dietary indiscretion

Dietary indiscretion is fancy terminology for saying your dog ate something they shouldn’t have. Whether your pooch got into the cat food or ate half of your child’s Lego collection, dietary indiscretion can lead to a serious case of diarrhea. In addition, dietary indiscretion-induced diarrhea often is paired with vomiting, especially if whatever your dog ate caused an intestinal blockage. In some instances, your dog’s gastrointestinal tract may settle down on its own, but more serious cases require veterinary treatment. 

#2: Intestinal parasites

Dogs can pick up intestinal parasites from a variety of places, including the local dog park, a trip to the lake, or your own backyard. Intestinal parasites are most commonly transmitted via contact with infective feces or contaminated surfaces, but your dog also can contract them from aquatic life. Intestinal parasites are notorious for causing diarrhea, and your dog also may have blood or mucus in their loose stool. Many intestinal parasites also can be transmitted to people, so use caution and good hygiene when cleaning up after your dog’s diarrhea episodes until you know the cause of the problem.

#3: Organ dysfunction

Dogs with organ disease commonly develop diarrhea as an additional health concern. Pancreatitis, kidney disease, liver disease, and other conditions can interfere with proper gastrointestinal function and may cause diarrhea. If your dog has a chronic condition, they can experience recurring diarrhea.

Although a bout or two of diarrhea may resolve on its own, do not let a case go on for too long, as chronic diarrhea can lead to systemic problems. Schedule an appointment with our team to resolve your dog’s diarrhea.